Enjoy summer’s bounty with this Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer Dip! Fresh tomatoes, creamy burrata, and crusty bread make the perfect tailgate or party dish.
If your garden is overflowing with vibrant cherry tomatoes, you’re not alone! As the summer season peaks, these little jewels ripen in abundance, begging to be used in delicious and creative ways. One of my favorite go-to recipes is a simple yet stunning Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer Dip. Perfect for sharing with friends, bringing to a tailgate, or simply enjoying at home, this dish is a celebration of fresh, seasonal produce. Paired with a crusty loaf of bread, it’s an appetizer that’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Why This Recipe Works:
When cherry tomatoes are at their peak, their natural sweetness shines through. Pairing them with creamy burrata creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is irresistible. The burst of juicy tomatoes combined with the rich, velvety burrata is a match made in heaven, and when you add the olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper, you’ve got a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. This appetizer is not only visually appealing but also a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
A Note on Measurements:
When it comes to this recipe, I often don’t measure out the ingredients precisely. Instead, I rely on my intuition and taste as I go. This dish is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the olive oil, salt, and herbs to your liking. The beauty of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is that you can trust your palate to guide you. I put measurements as best I could but change it up as you like.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 balls of burrata cheese
- Extra virgin olive oil to cover the tomatoes in the dish (at least 1 1/2 cups)
- Herbs I like to use: basil, onion powder, garlic powder (you can use fresh garlic or “jarlic” too), oregano, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. I add about 2 tsps. of each. Sometimes I don’t have them all on hand so I leave them out and use what I have. You can always use fresh herbs too. Add them in the end. I use dried herbs so I add it to the dish with the tomatoes and olive oil before baking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread or baguette, torn into bite-size pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by rinsing your cherry tomatoes under cool water. Once clean, place them in an oven-safe dish.
- Season the Tomatoes: Drizzle the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and season with the herbs, salt and pepper. Toss gently to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Bake: Place in a 400° pre-heated oven for 20-30 minutes. I take the dish out halfway through and mash the tomatoes roughly with a fork. You may want to cook longer to your liking.
- Add Burrata: Once the tomatoes are done, bring the dish out and add the two balls of burrata. Spread the burrata out so it is throughout the tomatoes and olive oil.
- Tear the Baguette: You can cut the bread, but I like to make it rustic and just tear it into pieces that are good for dipping but also bite-sized.
- Serve: I like to put the dip on a larger wood cutting board with the baguette pieces next to it. Encourage your guests to dip the bread into the creamy burrata and scoop up the juicy tomatoes for the perfect bite.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The key to this recipe is using the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes you can find. If you’re harvesting from your garden, pick them when they’re fully ripe for the best flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. The fresh flavors of the tomatoes and burrata are at their peak when served right away.
Make a Simple Pasta with Leftovers:
Got leftovers of this Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer Dip? Don’t let them go to waste! Transform this appetizer into a delicious pasta dish. Simply cook your favorite pasta (I like to use smaller pasta like penne), then toss it with the leftover cherry tomato and burrata dip.
I also add some spinach to the pasta when it is close to being done to add that to the dish as well. You could use frozen spinach too but make sure you thaw it and get all the water out of it. The dip creates a light sauce that coats the pasta, while the burrata adds a creamy richness. Top with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick, satisfying meal.
This Cherry Tomato and Burrata Appetizer Dip is a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of summer. Whether you’re hosting friends, preparing for a tailgate, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy burrata, and crusty bread is undeniably delicious, making it a go-to recipe whenever you want to showcase your garden’s bounty.
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